I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons.
I've played for six pro teams and have appeared in two NBA Finals. Ever heard of a parlor game called Three Degrees of Jason Collins? If you're in the league, and I haven't been your teammate, I surely have been one of your teammates' teammates. Or one of your teammates' teammates' teammates.
Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful.
This is a pivotal point for the LGBT community. And Jason Collins is a very brave young man to take this one.
I have little doubt that after this there will be many more pro-athletes who will join him.
However he will always be the first that had the courage to proudly tell the world who he really is.
I'm probably not the first woman to say this today but, DAMN!!! what a shame. Smart, sweet and seriously easy on the eyes ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jason Collins, for setting a wonderful example for people of all shapes, sizes and orientations.
As a gay man, I'm saying, "Damn," also, too. But meaning it in an entirely different way. -:)
DeleteI'm sure that gets as big a laugh from gay men as it does when I tell my gorgeous gay masseuse, "What a waste!" Heck, if the majority of gay men weren't so attractive (and a large percentage of the men in Alaska weren't so scruffy), we wouldn't mind so much.
DeleteHowever, that being said, I hope other gay athletes take a stand as well now that Jason has had this much courage.
I know you guys mean well, and I don't mean to sound critical, but your comments are actually pretty offensive. It is not a "shame" or a "waste" just because this person doesn't sleep with women. We should celebrate this man's courage and congratulate him on the OPPORTUNITY to be who he is. When someone is loving how they need to love, it is never, ever a shame or a waste.
DeleteI'm very proud of this young man!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing courage this man has! Not only does being the first athlete of a major team raise the bar, but the fact that he's black. Black culture has made it more difficult for black men to come out.
ReplyDeleteI work with a young man (early 20s) who is black, gay, and trying to break into the hip-hop scene. He has some good stuff going on. Hopefully he will be able to be successful even though being gay in hip-hop is still a really negative thing.
DeleteI, for one, cannot WAIT for the day when being able to say exactly who you are isn't considered an act of bravery!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jason!
I also look forward to the day that the overwhelming reaction to an announcement of this sort is, "So?"
DeleteGood for him and I hope he has a long and successful career.
This.Is.Awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious day!
What a powerful statement.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so hard to come out when you participate in these ",manly"sports. Figure skating requires incredible talent and athleticism and endurance and has many many many gay athletes participating, especially the men. Thinking back on my skating history - ALL of my male skating friends were gay. The skating community is so very accepting of gay athletes. I wish eventually it will be the same environment for other athletes/disciplines
ReplyDeleteI love this. Absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteDon't ask don't tell may be dead in the military, but it is alive and well in the wide world of professional sports. Hopefully Jason Collins won't be the lone brave soul, since every sport has gay athletes, not just the LGPA tour.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Voter
Bravo Jason, bravo!
ReplyDeleteGood for him and good for his team. Bad for my team, 'cause he sure is cute!
ReplyDeleteBrave guy!!! More will follow.
ReplyDeleteOT - Sarah Palin has a personal domestic policy czar? WTF!
ReplyDeleteUSCCB hires Sarah Palin advisor as Cardinal Dolan’s spokesperson
WTF indeed!
DeleteThe Jackie Robinson of gay athletes
ReplyDelete...and Jackie Robinson is considered a sports HERO by most people now.
Just saw "42" yesterday, and also thought of Jackie Robinson when I read this young man's announcement.
ReplyDeleteIs he a top or a bottom?
ReplyDeleteI thought a place kicker for a pro football team came out last year. Or was he retired?
ReplyDeleteI am so very proud of this young man. This announcement couldn't have been easy, especially knowing the flack that will now be coming.
ReplyDeleteMy fav part
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation.
One of the bravest guys in professional sports, I'd say.
You all, first MALE team sports athlete. WNBA has had out players for years. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Jason though!
I loved seeing this on the news. He IS a hero to some young gay sports fan. I loved that he chose "98" for his jersey number, it was his silent tribute to the year Matthew Shepherd died.
ReplyDeleteDon't fret, ladies! He's got a twin brother!
Rachel mentioned her own "coming out" story on her show. She said that one of her basketball teammates approached her and asked if Rachel, you know, thought she was "hot". Rachel responded "No". A few seconds pass, the woman put her hands on her hips and asked "Hey, WHY NOT!"
Responses To NBA’s Jason Collins Coming Out Are Incredibly Supportive
ReplyDeletehttp://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/1-responses-to-nbas-jason-collins-coming-out-are-amazingly-supportive/news/2013/04/29/66108
Democratic Members Of Congress Tweet Messages Of Support For First Openly Gay NBA Player
ReplyDeletehttp://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/democratic-members-of-congress-tweet-messages-of-support-for
Meh...
ReplyDelete